Jake Jakobsen was away and had been participating in the meeting via phone, but was no longer on the line at the time the vote was taken.

Pierce started the 6:30 p.m. meeting by allowing the nine board members to discuss their opinions on the matter.

Superintendent John Toleno developed four possible scenarios based on how programming would be affected, where space is available in the district and his knowledge of each building's condition.

"I removed my emotion (from developing these scenarios) because I have to, but I assure you there is at least one person on this board who has the best interest of the children in mind," Toleno addressed the crowd of parents, acknowledging he knows it's an emotional issue.

During Thursday's discussion, the board was split on whether to consolidate schools.

Yarnall was doubtful the board would have enough time to gather adequate information to make a decision by September.

"I don't know if we are going to be able to come up with the information to make these decisions. "» I couldn't tell you what the best option is going to be, and I don't think anyone here knows what the best option is," Yarnall said.

Strasser had a much stronger opinion, saying it would be "reckless" of the district and unsustainable to invest any more money into Ramsey, which is an aging building requiring multiple repairs and patchwork.

Stewart offered the idea that consolidating schools may provide teachers better opportunities to collaborate. The environment in which students learn is not as important as the quality of the education they are receiving, he said.

Jakobsen, who was away and participated in the meeting via telephone, suggested the decision to close buildings by September was "politically motivated."

Jakobsen was referring to the board's newest members, a slate endorsed by the county's Realtors' association.

"I don't think we are ready to move on anything. "» I think this was pushed down our throats," Jakobsen said.

According to state-imposed timelines, if the board wants to close a school building, they must first hold a public meeting.

The meeting will be attended by a court stenographer, who will record the public's opinions and send them to the State Department of Education.

The last time this issue came up, in 2012, the board voted down a motion to hold a public hearing.